Effects of highly dispersed aerosol of electronic cigarettes on the respiratory system of humans and experimental animals (review)

Abstract

The review presents current experimental and clinical data on the effect of highly dispersed aerosol of electronic cigarettes on the respiratory system of laboratory animals and humans. Manufacturers of electronic cigarettes are trying to argue into safety of using such devices; extensive advertisements attract more and more young people every year. Propylene glycol (E1520) and glycerol (E422) are the most important components of any liquid for electronic cigarette, and when inhaled for a long time they irritate the respiratory tract and eyes. The liquid for electronic cigarettes also contains various flavors, which exert a cytotoxic effect on pulmonary macrophages resulting in development of many bacterial and viral respiratory diseases. Thus, the use of electronic cigarettes increases the risk of cancer and obstructive lung diseases, leads to a significant impairment of natural (local) immunity of the respiratory tract mucosa, and reduces the expression of more than 358 genes.